Fish
n Bag Limits

The
Queensland Fisheries Management Authority has imposed legal fish sizes and bag
limits to ensure that all of the valuable marine resources are protected and
sustained for our future. This means that we are only allowed to catch the
required number of each species of fish as the law dictates. The bag limit
regulations are there to protect the numbers of fish caught and to give the fish
stocks a chance to survive and go on breeding. The quality of fish now being
caught is living proof that this type of system does work and work well. You will always have the small
number of rogue fishermen that do not care less what they catch or how they
catch their fish so long as they get fish. These type's of fisherman are now
reducing in numbers as they also see the benefits of the regulations regarding
bag limits, and they also realize that we all have to fish for the future. All
of the following information below was correct at the time I typed it and should
only be used as a guide due to the fact that the information is changing all the
time. Please contact your local Queensland fisheries management authority for
updated information.

Size, take and possession limits

Coral reef fin fish size and possession limits*
In addition to individual possession limits for each coral reef fin fish species listed in this table, a combined possession limit of 20 in total for all coral reef fin fish applies.

Other tidal species size and possession limits*
In addition to individual possession limits for each coral reef fin fish species listed in this table, a combined possession limit of 20 in total for all coral reef fin fish applies.

Why do we have size limits?

In Queensland, there are limits on the size of fish that can be legally taken for many species. There are minimum size limits and also some maximum size limits.

Size limits are typically based on biological research into each species' reproductive cycles. Minimum size limits generally allow fish to spawn at least once and contribute to the population before they are taken.

However, in some species larger individuals contribute more to the population, which is why maximum size limits apply. For example, most barramundi begin their lives as males and later, as they grow larger, become females. A maximum size limit is applied to protect large females and to allow them to spawn.

Why do we have possession limits?

A possession limit refers to the total number of fish an individual can legally take and have in their possession at any one time - it does not apply on a per day basis. This includes the fish you have caught previously that are in your freezer at home.

These limits serve several purposes. They:

conserve heavily-exploited species

conserve species that are susceptible to capture

share the catch more equitably among anglers

reduce the illegal marketing of fish

send out a message promoting ethical and responsible behaviour when using a limited natural resource.